U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, who represents California's 37th Congressional District in the House of Representatives, is "seriously considering" a run to become the next Mayor of Los Angeles, according to an interview with KPCC/LAist.
"I have been overwhelmed and humbled by people pushing for me to do this, and I will say I am seriously considering it," she said.
Bass said she had not previously considered running to replace Mayor Eric Garcetti before—but favorable polls released following his appointment to the U.S. ambassadorship to India may have changed the congresswoman's mind.
"I was planning to run for reelection," she told KPCC. "I am evaluating the situation now."
A Bass candidacy would join a steadily growing field jockeying to replace the outgoing mayor, including L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. Councilmembers Nury Martinez and Kevin de León, as well as LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner and businessman Rick Caruso are speculated to be considering their own runs.
Bass seems to be leading the pack, however. About 27 percent of Democrats polled in L.A. said they would vote for the congresswoman if the election were held today.
Bass's congressional district includes neighborhoods of L.A. west and southwest of downtown, including Mid-City, Westwood, Mar Vista, West Adams, Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills, as well as the cities of Inglewood and Culver City.